Public Bill Committee

[Mr David Hanson in the Chair]

David Hanson: Because of the impending general election, Committee proceedings have changed today.

Victoria Atkins: I beg to move,
That the Committee do not proceed further with the consideration of the Bill.
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hanson, albeit briefly. Following the decision of the House to hold a general election, it is only right that a Public Bill Committee in the new Parliament should scrutinise the Bill thoroughly. The motion before the Committee therefore removes the sittings up to Dissolution. The witnesses who were due to give evidence today have, of course, been notified.

This vital piece of legislation has the potential to help 2 million victims of domestic abuse in this country. I want to reassure victims, survivors and all who work with them that the Government will continue with this legislation in the next Parliament. I thank the Clerks for their assiduous work, and I thank the Badge Messengers, Hansard and the Bill team. I thank colleagues—even in one day, they showed their attention to detail with our witnesses—and I thank the witnesses who gave evidence. I thank my fellow Minister, my hon. Friend the Member  for Aldridge-Brownhills, as well as the shadow Minister, the Opposition Whip and my own Whip—I have learned that lesson. Finally, I thank you, Mr Hanson, and Sir David for chairing our Committee, albeit briefly.

Carolyn Harris: On behalf of the Opposition, I, too, extend thanks to the Clerks, the Chairmen, the Committee staff and Committee members for their attendance. This is a really important Bill. It is only right that we make this decision, but we look forward to returning to the Bill straight after the general election.

Victoria Atkins: I do apologise; I must also thank my wonderful officials, who have worked so hard. I thank them very much indeed.

David Hanson: I add that the Scrutiny Unit has also done a good job in preparing a range of detailed information. None of the work that has been done in preparation  for this Bill will be lost, because, as the Minister said, it will be revisited. We will see which Members are on a Committee in due course. I wish everybody every success for the future.

Question put and agreed to.

David Hanson: The Committee must now agree a special report to be made to the House.

Ordered,
That the Committee agree the Special Report as on the paper before the Committee and that the Chair do report the Bill to the House.

Bill accordingly to be reported, without amendment.

Committee rose.

Written evidence reported to the House

DAB10 Children’s Commissioner
DAB11 Changing Lives
DAB12 SafeLives
DAB13 Nagalro (the Professional Association for Children’s Guardians, Family Court Advisers and Independent Social Workers)
DAB14 Brian Maloney
DAB15 The Magistrates Association
DAB16 Andrew Todd
DAB17 Agenda, the alliance for women and girls at risk
DAB18 Parity
DAB19 Centre for Women’s Justice
DAB20 Refuge